J.T. Miller isn't going anywhere.
The Vancouver Canucks star forward has been out of the lineup since taking a leave of absence on Nov. 19 for personal reasons, and he will be a Canuck when he returns.
Despite general manager Patrik Allvin announcing in a statement that "the entire organization is here to support him," Miller's name has popped up in some trade chatter as he's been out for nearly three weeks.
That rumour has been squashed by Canucks president Jim Rutherford in a recent interview with The Province's Patrick Johnston, as well as Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
"This is not about trading J.T. Miller," said Friedman on Hockey Night in Canada's "Saturday Headlines" segment. "This is not about finding a new home for him. And when he comes back he's going to play for Vancouver.
"I don't believe in any way, shape or form Miller was asked to go."
Although the Canucks have done well in the seven games after the 31-year-old took a leave of absence, going 5-1-1, Miller's absence shouldn't last much longer. "We're obviously getting closer," Friedman said. "I think there is a plan here."
It will be a welcome site for all NHL fans to see Miller back on the ice, and Canucks fans are eager to support their All-Star forward. They demonstrated that during Friday's win at home over Columbus, as a "J.T. Miller" chant erupted at Rogers Arena.
After recording a career-high 37 goals and 103 points last season, Miller posted six goals and 10 assists prior to taking a leave.
Friday's win was the first of a six-game homestand for Vancouver that sees the Tampa Bay Lightning come to town on Sunday.
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